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Blaenau Gwent Leisure trust appoints board

TRUSTEES have been appointed to help shape the new Blaenau Gwent Life Leisure Trust.

The council’s executive committee unanimously approved a business case to establish the Life Leisure Trust by June 1.

The trust aims to make a positive impact on people by improving physical health and wellbeing along with the mental and social wellbeing of individuals, families and communities.

A council spokeswoman said: “The Life Leisure Trust Board of Trustees has recently been appointed to contribute to the leadership of the new organisation. The creation of the trust is a significant decision for the council and attracting the right calibre trustees is seen as critical to securing a sustainable future for leisure services.”

A trustee open evening took place on March 5 and interviews took place on March 19. Following this process, seven out of a maximum of eight community and one employee trustee were appointed. The remaining community trustee place will be filled after discussions with the new board during their first meetings in April - May.

The two local authority trustees will be appointed on May 7, nominated by the council’s leadership and ratified by full council.

The spokeswoman added: “We feel confident the skills and experience amongst this group of people will create a strong board. They have experience in sport, arts and culture, learning, libraries and offer a vast array of experience in the public sector, voluntary sector and the commercial world.”

The community trustees are Sian Hughes, Marc Bowen, John Williams, Sue Lewis, Graeme Harkness, Lyn Evans and Sharon Howell. The employee trustee is Donna Hardman who works within leisure library service.

The trustees will work in a voluntary capacity to set the strategy for operating leisure, cultural and community learning facilities and services across Blaenau Gwent.

The trust will be led by a managing director and supported by two senior leaders.

The priorities within the council’s corporate planning processes will be supported by the trust. These include increasing participation in sport and physical activity to lead to healthier lifestyles.